Understanding Bone Char in Sugar Refining
Bone char is a porous, granular material made from charred animal bones, primarily cattle. It is used as a filter in the refining of some sugarcane-based sugars to remove impurities and achieve a brighter, whiter product. The bone char does not become an ingredient in the final sugar but is a tool in its processing, which is why refined sugars that use it can still receive kosher certification. However, this process renders the sugar non-vegan.
The Difference Between Cane and Beet Sugar
Not all sugar is processed the same way. The two primary sources of commercially available sugar are sugarcane and sugar beets. Sugarcane is typically grown in tropical regions, and the resulting raw sugar is often refined using bone char. In contrast, sugar beets are grown in cooler climates and undergo a different refining process that does not involve bone char. The final chemical product, pure sucrose, is identical regardless of its plant source. Since most generic or store-brand sugar labels do not specify the source, determining the refining method can be challenging without further information.
Great Value Sugar: What the Label Tells You
Because Great Value is a store brand, the manufacturing and sourcing can vary. This makes it difficult to state definitively whether all Great Value conventional sugar is processed with bone char, but it is highly likely that the standard pure cane granulated sugar is. The supply chain for store brands is often complex, and repackaging from major producers is common.
Conventional Great Value Sugar
For their standard "Pure Granulated Cane Sugar," Great Value does not specify whether bone char was used in the refining process. In the absence of a 'vegan' or 'bone-char-free' label, consumers adhering to a vegan lifestyle should assume that conventional cane sugar, including many store brands, has been refined with bone char.
Great Value Organic Sugar
This is where the distinction becomes clear. Great Value offers an Organic Granulated Cane Sugar, and due to USDA organic regulations, organic sugar production is not permitted to use bone char. Organic cane sugar, therefore, is a safe option for vegans and those avoiding bone char.
How to Identify Bone-Char-Free Sugar
For those who wish to avoid sugar processed with animal products, here are some key methods to ensure your sweetener is bone-char-free:
- Look for Certifications: The easiest way to know for sure is to look for specific labels. "USDA Certified Organic," "Vegan Certified," or "Bone-Char-Free" labels are the most reliable indicators.
- Consider the Source: Beet sugar is always a safe bet, as it never uses bone char in its refining. However, labels rarely specify "100% beet sugar" and often just say "sugar." Only brands that explicitly state beet sugar or are certified organic guarantee this.
- Choose Unrefined Alternatives: Less refined sugar varieties, such as raw, turbinado, or coconut sugar, typically do not go through the intense decolorization process that requires bone char. However, it is wise to confirm with the brand if you have concerns.
Vegan and Bone-Char-Free Sugar Alternatives
Beyond Great Value's organic offering, numerous other brands and types of sugar are confirmed to be vegan-friendly. Here is a list of commonly available bone-char-free options:
- Wholesome!
- Florida Crystals
- Trader Joe's Organic
- In the Raw
- Michigan Sugar Company (beet sugar)
- Zulka
- NOW Foods
Making an Informed Choice: Conventional vs. Vegan Sugar
To help you decide, here is a comparison of different sugar types based on their source and refining process. This table provides a quick reference for making an informed choice at the grocery store.
| Feature | Conventional Cane Sugar | Great Value Organic Cane Sugar | Beet Sugar | Unrefined Sugar (e.g., Raw, Turbinado) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Sugarcane | Sugarcane | Sugar beets | Sugarcane |
| Use of Bone Char | Yes, likely | No | No | No |
| Vegan Status | Not considered vegan | Vegan | Vegan | Vegan |
| Processing | Refined and decolorized | Minimally refined | Refined without bone char | Minimally processed |
| Common Appearance | Bright white fine granules | Light tan to off-white | Bright white fine granules | Coarse, golden to brown |
Conclusion
While the conventional Great Value Pure Granulated Cane Sugar likely uses bone char, consumers can confidently choose Great Value's Organic Cane Sugar as a bone-char-free alternative. The refining process, which is not always disclosed on packaging, is the key factor. For those committed to avoiding animal-based products, seeking certified organic or beet-based sugars is the most reliable strategy. Always check the label for certifications or opt for known vegan brands to ensure your sweetener aligns with your ethical standards. Further research on the refining practices of specific manufacturers can provide even greater certainty, but in general, organic and beet sugars are the safest choices for a vegan lifestyle.
